SPRING TRAINING NOTEBOOK

Rodriguez Won't Address Allegations

Alex Rodriguez refused to address allegations by Jose Canseco, who claims he introduced the three-time MVP to a steroids dealer.

"It's over as far as I'm concerned," Rodriguez said yesterday after his New York Yankees lost, 4-0, to the Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater, Fla. "No further comment on the matter. I'm just excited to be playing baseball."

In the book "Vindicated: Big Names, Big Liars, and the Battle to Save Baseball," Canseco claimed he introduced Rodriguez to a steroids dealer named "Max." Excerpts from the book, slated for publication Tuesday, were posted on Deadspin.com before being removed yesterday.

Canseco wrote that Rodriguez approached him years ago and asked where "one" might acquire steroids. During an interview to be broadcast tomorrow by ABC's "Nightline," Canseco said he won't produce evidence to back his claim.

Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte, meantime, threw 36 pitches during a 10-minute bullpen session yesterday and remains on target to start the third or fourth game of the regular season.

Pettitte originally was to start New York's second game against Toronto on Tuesday but was pushed back because of back spasms.

¿ COURTS: Scott Spiezio will be arraigned on drunken driving and other charges April 7 in Newport Beach, Calif. The former St. Louis utility player faces six charges that include driving under the influence, hit and run, aggravated assault and battery from a Dec. 30 crash.

¿ ANGELS: Kelvim Escobar, an 18-game winner last season, told reporters he has a tear in his pitching shoulder and might need surgery.

¿ ROCKIES: Colorado sent several players to minor league camp, including Seth Smith, who helped fuel the team's first pennant drive with a series of key pinch hits last September. The team also released former all-star second baseman Marcus Giles.

¿ ROYALS: Right-hander Ram¿n Ram¿rez was acquired from the Rockies for a player to be named. Kansas City also traded outfielder Justin Huber to San Diego for a player to be named.

¿ PIRATES: Right-handed reliever Tyler Yates was acquired from the Braves for Class AA right-hander Todd Redmond. . . . Masumi Kuwata retired. He was one of the top pitchers in Japanese baseball history and a major leaguer for the first time last season at age 39.